Marking the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised a unique and joyful Mehedi festival for underprivileged children in the island district of Bhola.
The colourful event brought smiles and festive joy to the faces of disadvantaged children who often remain outside the celebrations of Eid.
The Mehedi festival, organised by the Bhola Sadar upazila unit of Bashundhara Shuvosangho, featured beautiful henna designs drawn on the children’s hands along with various recreational activities. The entire programme carried a festive atmosphere, allowing the children to enjoy the spirit of Eid in advance.
More than a hundred children from remote areas of Bhola participated in the day-long event held on Wednesday (18 March). The main attraction of the festival was the application of artistic and colourful Mehedi designs on the children’s hands.
Members of the organisation carefully decorated the children’s hands with intricate henna patterns, bringing visible joy and excitement to their faces. For many of the children, it was their first experience wearing Mehedi, creating memories they are likely to cherish for a long time.
Among those who applied the Mehedi designs were Tazkia Insan, vice-president of the Bhola Sadar upazila unit, Organising Secretary Mukta Akter, Women’s Affairs Secretary Bibi Fatema, Education and Reading Circle Secretary Safa Islam, and executive members Jannatul Ferdous and Arju Begum.
The event was also attended by Bhola district unit President Md Shafayat Hossain (Siam), Senior Vice-President Mir Abid Hossain Rafi, Assistant Organising Secretary Yasin Arafat, Health and Human Resources Secretary Faizul Islam, Social Welfare Secretary Md Ismail of the Bhola Sadar upazila unit, executive member Ifaz, and other members of Bashundhara Shuvosangho.
Speaking at the event, district President Shafayat Hossain (Siam) said the main objective of the Mehedi festival was to bring smiles to the faces of neglected children and share the joy of festivals with them.
"When we saw the smiling faces of the children, we felt that our small initiative had brought them great happiness. This feeling inspires us to move forward. We want this circle of love to grow and reach even more children," he said.
He added that the smile of a child is their greatest achievement and that such humanitarian activities will continue in the future.
Vice-President Tazkia Insan said that when children eagerly extended their hands asking for beautiful Mehedi designs, it felt like she was not just drawing henna but becoming part of their Eid happiness.
One of the participating children said, "I wanted to wear Mehedi during Eid for a long time but never had the chance. Today, the sisters drew a beautiful design on my hand. I am very happy and grateful. I will celebrate Eid with this Mehedi."
Parents also appreciated the initiative, saying such programmes not only bring joy to children but also promote empathy, compassion, and humanitarian values in society.
Local residents said that true humanity lies in sharing the joy of Eid with everyone in society, not just within one’s own circle. They described Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s initiative as praiseworthy and an example for others to follow.
Bashundhara Shuvosangho has long been involved in educational support, healthcare services, disaster relief, and humanitarian development activities across the country. The Mehendi festival in Bhola is another example of its ongoing social initiatives.
The event also served as a reminder that every child in society deserves equal love, care, and happiness, and that sincerity, compassion, and collective efforts can help turn that vision into reality.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
